The Seattle City Council voted unanimously at a meeting Monday, August 9 to confirm John Diaz as Seattle Chief of Police. He was earlier confirmed by the Council's public safety committee, which laid out expectations for the new chief, summarized into four goals: reduce crime, enhance training for de-escalating tense police interactions, set the bar for police conduct high, and build public confidence through crime information reporting systems. The chief is to report back to the Council on these expectations on a quarterly basis.
Several leaders in the African American community offered public comment at Monday's meeting, saying they would work with the new chief. Charles Oliver, regional president of Blacks in Government commented on the trust Diaz will need to build, "He's got a lot of work to do before he's confirmed in the black community."
In his remarks to the Council after his confirmation, Diaz said that each police stop is an opportunity to build peace. He said his goals are to reduce crime, reduce fear of crime, and build community.
Diaz is a 30 year veteran of the department and replaces former Chief Gil Kerlikowske, who left to take a position in the Obama administration.